Timisoara became the European Cultural Capital

The curtain rose, and Timisoara officially became the European Cultural Capital on Friday, February 17, a historic event for the city on the Bega, which aims to capitalize on this chance to bring change to the community, relying on the development of the city through culture.

More than 120 events took place throughout the day in the city, which was engulfed in the excitement of this celebration, in which several hundred artists from the country and abroad participated.

Among the most interesting events on Friday, February 17, was the opening of the exhibition of the Romanian artist Victor Brauner at the Art Museum, the first retrospective organized in Romania.

Timisoara has turned into a huge art gallery, with numerous collective and personal exhibitions. There were also music concerts, from classical to rock, theater, film, street performances with giant puppets, community debates, a digital culture festival, the inauguration of a 5-story installation in Victoriei Square, with 1.300 plants, lookout and biodiversity education site and more.

From 7 p.m., the concerts started in Piata Unirii, where more than 16.000 spectators were expected, eager to watch the performances on the big stage, and especially the aerial acrobatics, performed with the help of cranes, supported by the Spanish artists from Muare Experiencee.

European Commissioner Adina Valean will award Timisoara the "Melina Mercouri" prize, worth 1.5 million euros, awarded to European cultural capital cities that have fulfilled their commitments in the program.

Translated by: Radu Matei